At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

What You'll Do

The Senior Area Director will provide management and oversight, at minimum, of two branch offices within the agency’s Foster in Texas (FIT) program. The Senior Area Director is an experienced leader who can manage staff both directly and indirectly. In addition, the Senior Area Director will provide direct supervision and support to assigned, Team Lead and Family Services Workers (FSW) as it relates to the Child Plan of Service and supporting foster care children and their families in accordance with the organization, licensing standards, state, and local regulatory requirements.

• Monitor and evaluate program services and quality of care to ensure they are always being provided in compliance with all licensing standards and regulatory requirements
• Oversee and manage the placement process, which includes intake and eligibility, verification, assessment, and referral services
• Oversee and manage the recruitment and verification of in-process families
• Ensure all foster care homes meet full licensing requirements
• Oversee and monitor case files to ensure they are current and up-to-date and meet licensing standards and regulatory requirements
• Prepare monthly reports on program services and activities; submit all reporting requirements in a timely manner
• Review, approve, and sign off on all monthly and annual status reports, discharge summaries, and incident reports
• Demonstrate efforts to manage a budget within budget limits and constraints
• Serve as an advocate for program services by recommending program improvements and enhancements to meet the needs of the foster care children and their families
• Maintain a caseload, as needed
• Travel as needed to perform home visits to ensure licensing standards are being met along with the well-being and safety of the children
• Provide emergency and on-call services when needed
• Lead collaborative efforts and activities with the interdisciplinary and treatment teams, staff, and medical and non-medical providers to ensure all foster care children are receiving the quality of services needed to meet their individual treatment and behavior plans
• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence.
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, on-going, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
• Work closely with management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
• Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff
• Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field
• Child Placement Management Staff (CPMS)
• Three (3) years relevant experience in foster care, child welfare, or adoption
• Two (2) years supervisory or management experience
• Valid TX driver’s license and auto insurance coverage
• At least 21 years of age

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field
• LCPAA, LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, or LPC
• Three (3) years supervisory or management experience
• Bilingual (English and Spanish based on service area and service population)

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance & more
• 403b 
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Emergency Assistance Program

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 30%

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time in units/cottages which are areas where children reside
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging 

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.